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This is one of the biggest sports weekends we’ve had in a while!
- The Caps (in Alex Ovechkin’s last season, as he announced earlier this week) are taking on the Rangers and the Seattle Kraken this weekend after having their home opener against the Penguins.
- Saturday at Audi Field, there’s an international friendly between the U.S. Women’s Soccer team and Spain.
- Over at Nats Park, you’re going to see a LOT of yellow! The Banana Bowl is going on as the Savannah Bananas and other teams take over. If you can still somehow score tickets … wow, we’re impressed.
- And Sunday, the Commanders will be back at Northwest Stadium taking on the Giants.
Heads up: The Army 10-Miler is Sunday — expect multiple road closures in both Arlington and the District. Metro will open at 6 a.m. that day.
Weekend weather: Friday and Saturday will be cool and dry — but to our south, Isaias became a hurricane Thursday morning and is expected to make landfall near Mobile, Alabama, late Friday. The exact track can’t be nailed down this far out, but that slug of deep tropical moisture will quickly move northward. Rain may arrive here in the DMV as early as dawn on Sunday, and heavy rain is likely that evening. Stay with Storm Team4 for updates.
Here’s what else is happening around the DMV this weekend:
D.C.
Snallygaster is roaring (or pouring?) into the District with hundreds of draft beers. You name it, they’ve got it, and a lot of other beers you’ve likely never had — plus live music, a D.C. makers’ marketplace, a kids’ zone and more on and around Pennsylvania Avenue NW (between 7th and 3rd streets). So go explore! Both general admission and VIP tickets include unlimited beer, wine and cocktail tastings, plus a commemorative glass. Sat. 2-6 p.m. for GA ($75);VIP ticketholders ($150) can get in at 12 p.m. Discounts for designated drivers and kids 12 & up; free for kids under 12.
Drive-in movies at Union Market (1309 5th St. NE) are continuing into fall. With spooky season in full swing, go enjoy “The Addams Family.” Fri., parking lot opens 5:30 p.m. and closes to new arrivals at 6:45 p.m.; movie starts 7 p.m.; $25 per car. If you don’t have a car, it’s free to sit on Neal Place to watch (but BYO chairs or blankets).
Learn about Washington’s spookiest days, early American witch hunts, ancient terrors of the night and more with Professor and Pints’ Halloween lecture series. Throughout October, professors across the DMV will give lectures on spooky subject matter at bars, breweries and other locations. Various dates including this Sun. 5-7:30 p.m. at Penn Social; tickets $15 in advance, $17 at the door.
The fall festival at Calico (50 Blagden Alley NW) promises a picture-perfect seasonal experience for anyone who stops by. If you don’t fancy riding Metro for more than an hour to find a pumpkin patch, head here instead. You can use the festival’s free painting supplies to decorate your pick, then enjoy live music while you eat a fried apple hand pie. If you’re of legal age, consider a maple old fashioned or a hard cider spritz. Sat. 1-9 p.m.; free admission.
Run for your life at the Dead Man’s Run 5K, which begins at Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St. SE) and proceeds to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail for “a spooky evening of music, costumes and Halloween-themed fun,” organizers say. Proceeds will help support the historic cemetery, and prizes will be awarded to top finishers, age-group winners and the best individual and team costumes. Sat. 5-7 p.m.; $40 for 5K participants.
The #SteamtheBlock party will celebrate D.C. culture and aims to spark a love of science, technology, engineering, art and math in kids. The event, hosted by the Swaliga Foundation, features live music, demonstrations and plenty of hands-on activities, at Oxon Run Park (near the 1300 block of Mississippi Ave. SE). Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; free admission.
This one is for the lovers of tarot, crystals and celestial motifs. The DC WitchFest will bring astrology readings, magical performers, henna and more than 40 artists and vendors to The Coupe (3415 11th St. NW) in Columbia Heights. Costumes are encouraged. Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission.
The futuristic musical “Maybe Happy Ending” — a six-time Tony Award winner — is a robot love story sparked by a road trip across South Korea. The production has a short stint this weekend at the National Theatre. Now through Sun.; nightly at 7:30 p.m., plus 2:30 p.m. matinees Sat. and Sun.; tickets start at $87+.
Maryland
Shiver your way along a haunted mile-long trail full of jumpscares at Markoff’s Haunted Forest (19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson), or explore their haunted western experience, where you can visit … The Town. (Ominous, right?) Neither is recommended for kids under 12. Markoff’s Midway, located before the haunted experiences, features bonfires, food, drinks and music to prep you for the scares ahead. Now through Nov. 7 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus select Thursdays. Tickets $25-$50 for the trail; $35 for The Town; combination tickets $75-$80.
You thought we were done with Oktoberfests? We’re just one week into October! This time, it’s the City of Gaithersburg asking you to don your dirndl or lederhosen. There’s plenty of food, local wares in Artisan Square, and activities for kids at Bohrer Park (506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg). Sun. 12-5 p.m.; free admission.
Cheerio, fans. That’s what we were eating last time we watched the Washington Commanders take the pitch. Um, field. The team returns from London 1-3 after a loss across the pond, and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota returns injured, after being knocked out of that start against the Colts. But hold on… could star QB Jayden Daniels be back at the reigns this weekend? Washington welcomes the not-as-bad-as-they-used-to-be New York Football Giants (3-1) to Northwest Stadium. Sun. 1 p.m.; tickets start at $148.
Have you appreciated your local rivers today? During Patuxent River Appreciation Day, you can enjoy boat rides, arts and crafts, live music, exhibits and kids’ activities at the Calvert County Marine Museum (14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons). The goal is to promote the “economic, social, recreational, cultural and historical impact” of the river and its tributaries. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission.
Like Oktoberfests and motorcycles? Yes? Why not combine them? The annual Hogtoberfest at Old Glory Harley Davidson (11800 Laurel Bowie Road, Bowie) is ready with outdoor games, brats and pretzels, as well as a beer stein challenge with gift card prizes. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; free admission.
Virginia
Fall is the perfect time for some nostalgia, and if you’re a NOVA native, you remember at least one childhood trip to Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Road, Centreville). Get in all the classics (there’s a corn maze! A hayride! So many slides!) at the Cox Farms Fall Festival, then enjoy apples and pumpkins from the farm. Select dates through Nov. 8, open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. in October, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in November; admission $15-$30.
Call your wine aunt: the Fall Wine Festival at Mount Vernon brings unlimited samples from wineries around Virginia to George Washington’s historic estate (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon). Bring your own chair and chill on the east lawn with a view of the Potomac, or splurge on VIP tickets and get a table for 12 with some extras. Saturday’s event is sold out already, but Friday and Sunday are up for grabs. Fri.-Sun., 6-9 p.m.; regular tickets $51+; VIP tables start at $1,200.
Kids can see their favorite Disney characters soar, spin and twirl during Disney on Ice at EagleBank Arena (4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax). Multiple shows Thurs. through Mon.; tickets start at $23.
Alexandria’s Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour will take you along darkened alleys and centuries-old buildings as costumed guides share tales of Old Town’s restless spirits. Weeknights 7:30 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m. Adults $20; kids $10.
Cheer on runners during the Army 10-Miler, which takes participants from near the Pentagon into D.C. and back again. Here’s the course map, with spectator areas. Spectators can take a free shuttle from the Pentagon South Lot to the finish line area, Hooah Tent Zone and the Reunion Area (no backpacks permitted). Race day schedule here; shuttle runs 4 a.m.-1 p.m.
Music Snob
NBC Washington digital editor Matthew Stabley’s concert guide
Laura Veirs, Thurs. 6:30 p.m.; Jammin’ Java; $27
Actually, two gifted, don’t-miss singer-songwriters from the Pacific Northwest ‘90s. Veirs is a folk artist with a penchant for country. Opener Karl Blau – now based in Philly – compliments her well but adds indie rock to the mix. Details.
The Schizophonics, Thurs. 7 p.m.; DC9; $18+/$20+
Feral, psychedelic garage rock. A vintage sound set to punk adrenaline makes fist-pumping, foot-stomping rock and roll. Details.
Riot Grrrl’s Not Dead DC!, Fri. 7 p.m.; Songbyrd; $16/$20
A night celebrating the ‘80s/’90s genre of punk the District helped kick off. Exuberant D.C. party punks Buko Buko follow the ‘70s formula of bashing early rock ‘n’ roll-style tunes into oblivion. With Karen O-esque, ironic cheerleader vocals. “MOMMY” is an anthem. Details.
Two Door Cinema Club, Sun. 6:30 p.m.; The Anthem; $73.80
Post-punk knocked up the Bee Gees and they had Two Door Cinema Club. Pop rock for the disco dance floor. The Northern Ireland band celebrates 15 years of debut album “Tourist.” Details.
Coming up:
- Actor Michael Shannon reprises his role as Michael Stipe alongside ax-for-hire Jason Narducy to cover another R.E.M. album — with some of their industry friends. First night sold; second night added: March 1 at 9:30 Club. Details.
Looking ahead 51 weeks:
- Seems early, but Irish punks Fontaines D.C. get to headline Merriweather Post Pavilion on Sept. 30 next year. They’ve quickly climbed from scruffy punk rock to artier experimentation to more accessible worldwide success. Also deserving of the space, opening Danish punks Iceage followed basically the same progression but a gentler incline over almost two decades. Tickets on sale Friday at 10 a.m. (In the nearer future, Iceage will headline Black Cat April 15. Details.)
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